Application Guide

How to Apply for Principal Consultant, Sustainable Finance – Human Rights

at Environmental Resources Management

🏢 About Environmental Resources Management

ERM is a global leader in sustainability consulting, uniquely positioned at the intersection of finance, human rights, and environmental stewardship. Working here means joining a team that shapes how financial institutions and corporations integrate social and human rights considerations into investment decisions, driving real-world impact on a global scale.

About This Role

As Principal Consultant, you will lead complex projects that embed human rights and social performance into financial decision-making, working with top-tier banks and corporates. You'll also drive business development, mentor junior staff, and help shape ERM's sustainable finance offerings, making this role pivotal for both client outcomes and firm growth.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with a client call discussing a human rights risk assessment for a new green bond issuance, followed by a team meeting to review a draft report on social performance for a mining project. After lunch, you could work on a proposal for a regional bank in Latin America, then mentor a junior consultant on applying the UN Guiding Principles to a supply chain audit.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Environmental Resources Management Is Looking For

  • A seasoned professional with 6+ years (ideally 12+) in project management and human rights, preferably in conflict-affected or high-risk environments, and experience in peace-building operations.
  • Fluent in both English and Spanish (native-level English, professional Spanish), with the ability to deliver high-quality work in both languages.
  • A proven track record in managing multiple complex projects in a fast-paced consulting environment, with strong organizational and communication skills.
  • Experienced in business development, including writing winning proposals, pitching to clients, and developing new service offerings in sustainable finance.

📝 Tips for Applying to Environmental Resources Management

1

Highlight specific projects where you integrated human rights into financial or investment decisions, using frameworks like UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights or IFC Performance Standards.

2

Demonstrate your Spanish proficiency by submitting a bilingual resume or cover letter, or mention how you've used Spanish in professional contexts.

3

Tailor your CV to emphasize project management in consulting or advisory roles, with quantifiable outcomes (e.g., 'Managed $X million portfolio of human rights due diligence projects').

4

Include examples of mentoring or developing junior staff, as the role involves team leadership and capacity building.

5

Research ERM's recent sustainable finance publications or case studies (e.g., on human rights in supply chains or green finance) and reference them in your cover letter to show genuine interest.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience leading human rights integration in financial contexts, with specific examples of impact (e.g., improved client ESG ratings or avoided reputational risks).', 'Your bilingual ability (English/Spanish) and how it enables you to work across Latin America and global teams.', 'Your business development success, such as winning new clients or expanding service lines in sustainable finance.', "Your commitment to mentoring and developing junior talent, aligning with ERM's emphasis on team growth and quality."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review ERM's Sustainable Finance Practice page and recent reports on human rights and finance (e.g., 'Human Rights in the Boardroom' or 'The Investor Case for Human Rights').
  • → Look into ERM's client case studies, particularly those involving financial institutions in Latin America or emerging markets.
  • → Understand ERM's approach to 'social performance' and how it differs from social impact assessment – this is key to the role.
  • → Check ERM's thought leadership on topics like biodiversity and human rights, or climate justice, as these intersect with sustainable finance.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How you would approach a human rights due diligence for a large infrastructure project financed by a multilateral bank.
2 Describe a time you managed a complex project with multiple stakeholders across different regions, including how you handled conflicting priorities.
3 How do you stay current with evolving human rights standards (e.g., EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive) and apply them to financial clients?
4 Walk us through a successful proposal you wrote: how did you identify client needs, structure the solution, and differentiate ERM?
5 How would you mentor a junior consultant struggling with quality or deadline management on a human rights assessment?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application that doesn't mention human rights or sustainable finance specifically – this role requires deep expertise in both.
  • Overlooking the Spanish requirement: if you're not fluent, don't apply; if you are, provide evidence (e.g., certifications, work samples).
  • Focusing only on technical human rights knowledge without demonstrating consulting skills like business development, client management, and project leadership.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Environmental Resources Management!

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